Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience with these mouthwatering Slow Cooker Honey BBQ Chicken Wings! Imagine tender, juicy chicken wings bathed in a rich, sticky-sweet sauce that will have everyone at your table begging for seconds. This foolproof recipe is perfect for game days, family gatherings, or when you're craving restaurant-quality wings without leaving your kitchen. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, these wings are about to become your new go-to comfort food that's so delicious, it'll make your friends think you've secretly trained as a professional chef!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken wings
- 1 cup honey
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Measure out 2 pounds of chicken wings and place them in a large mixing bowl. Ensure the wings are thawed if they were previously frozen.
- In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup of honey, 1 cup of BBQ sauce, and 2 cloves of minced garlic. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until well blended.
- Season the chicken wings with salt and pepper to taste. This will enhance the flavor of the wings as they cook.
- Pour the honey BBQ sauce mixture over the seasoned chicken wings in the mixing bowl. Use a spatula or your hands to ensure that all the wings are evenly coated with the sauce.
- Transfer the coated chicken wings into the slow cooker, spreading them out evenly to allow for even cooking. If necessary, you can layer them, but try to keep them in a single layer as much as possible.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Set the cooker to low heat and allow the wings to cook for 4 hours. This slow cooking process will make the wings tender and allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
- After 4 hours, check the wings for doneness. They should be tender and the sauce should be thickened. If you prefer crispy wings, you can transfer them to a baking sheet and broil them in the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes.
- Once cooked, carefully remove the wings from the slow cooker and place them on a serving platter. Drizzle any remaining sauce from the slow cooker over the wings for extra flavor.
- Serve the honey BBQ chicken wings hot, garnished with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired. Enjoy your delicious meal with your favorite sides!
Tips
- For extra crispy wings, pat the chicken wings completely dry before seasoning to ensure better sauce adherence and browning.
- If your slow cooker tends to create a lot of liquid, prop the lid slightly open during the last hour of cooking to help the sauce thicken.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure wings reach an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
- For a smoky flavor boost, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to your sauce mixture.
- Don't rush the cooking process - the slow, low heat is key to achieving fall-off-the-bone tender wings.
- If you want a glossier finish, brush the wings with additional BBQ sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Leftover wings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and are great for quick reheating.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 95mg
